Is underground power coming to my area?

In May 2022, Council authorised the CEO to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for its first three project areas in North Perth/Mount Lawley, North Perth/Mount Hawthorn and Perth/Highgate.

In December 2022, a second MOU was signed for a further five project areas which will cover Leederville, Mount Hawthorn, West Perth and North Perth.

Will it cost me any money?

Yes. The exact details on cost and funding are not yet available. We will notify property owners as soon as the cost modelling is complete.

When is it coming?

Construction on the first three project areas is expected to commence towards the end of 2023 and be completed within two years. The five new project areas will then follow in 2025 with all of Vincent to have underground power by the end of 2028. 

I’ve already paid for underground power, will I get a refund?

The underground power service charges applicable to ratepayers will have two components: Network services charge (or network infrastructure costs); and Consumer mains charge (connection between green dome and property cost). If you have underground cable installed between the green dome and meter box at your property, we can confirm that you will receive only Network services charge.

What are the benefits?

Underground power is designed to deliver reliable and safe power, while improving your street appearance and opportunities for emerging technologies, and we’re committed to working with you to deliver these benefits.

• Improved public safety – with improved street lighting neighbourhoods are safer and removing poles may result in less car collisions.
• Improved reliability and security – once the power is underground, you’ll experience fewer disruptions after major storm events, which means reduced likelihood of unplanned power outages.
• Improved street appearance – No power lines create a more aesthetically pleasing neighbourhood.
• Increased property value – the absence of poles and wires and the inclusion of new street lighting has a positive impact on property values.
• Reduction in street tree pruning – Property owners and Local Government save on maintenance costs, while also allowing the tree canopy to flourish.
• Lower life-cycle costs – underground power has minimal maintenance and operating costs.
• Improved opportunity for emerging technologies – helps pave the way for innovation and caters better to future power demand.

If I have a green dome, will I need to pay more?

If you have an underground cable connecting green dome to your meter box at your property, you will only pay a network services charge, not a consumer mains charge.

Will town centres be included in the roll-out?

All town centres are included in the project areas. Please refer to the maps.

When will we get Underground Power, is there an indicative timeline?

Detailed design for construction of each project usually takes approximately 12 months.  Generally, each project is expected to be completed within two years of construction starting.

Will the new streetlights be the same place as current lighting?

It is unlikely that a new streetlight will be placed in the same position as a previous streetlight. With every project, a new LED street lighting system is designed and installed to the latest Australian Standards. Each project is different, and the positioning of new streetlights is reviewed during the design stage.

What is the impact of the works?

Western Power aim to minimise any impacts of underground power works to your property or business. Western Power contractors and the City of Vincent will keep you informed with regular updates on each stage of construction to minimise any impacts. Contractors generally work within regular construction hours.  If after hours work is required for public safety reasons, Western Power will work with the City of Vincent and other relevant authorities to schedule the most appropriate time and inform you prior to these commencing.

While the work is being carried out there may be some construction impacts:

• Noise, dust, vibrations may all be a part of construction, but Western Power contractors will undertake works in accordance with standards and with a detailed management plan
• Noise impacts will be minimised by only using equipment that is well maintained and fit for purpose, as well as scheduling times to have the least impact on you
• To complete the work safely, traffic management will be in place to manage traffic and pedestrian flow. Please take care around work sites and follow the appropriate signage

Where can I get more information?

The underground power project will be carried out in stages. At the start of each stage, you’ll receive notification prior to works commencing, explaining what will be done and how it may impact you. 

Contacts for specific enquiries are as follows:

• Project works impacting you – Contractor (when engaged)
• Project costs and funding (not yet available) – City of Vincent
• Underground power general information - Western Power